Category Archives: ~Safety

Patient Verification In United Kingdom – Requirements Put Forth by NHS

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The European healthcare sector has been facing backlashes since digital medical services took over as a solution to public health concerns. In order to offer instant medical help to patients, the European Commission put forth the EU4Health program. This initiative focused on raising €5.1 billion to transform the health sector and bring in easy-to-access digital services.  So patient verification could become more

Similarly, England’s National Health Services (NHS) is taking efficient measures to verify patient identity in the UK. The most common of them include developing digital healthcare services to decrease the pressure frontline healthcare professionals undergo. The blog covers guidelines provided by the NHS regarding patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK). 

Identifying Patients for United Kingdom (UK) – Guidelines by National Health Services (NHS)

While healthcare businesses are putting in efforts to digitize services, NHS is also providing guidelines regarding patient verification in United Kingdom. As the medical records, payment details, and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be available online, the healthcare sector needs efficient measures to identify patients in the United Kingdom (UK) for ensuring authorized access. 

Moreover, the NHS has also established a login service for people where they can prove their identity once in whatever way they feel convenient. The healthcare sector here should establish efficient mechanisms to validate patient identity for UK records. The measures taken by the NHS massively focus on building trust among citizens and encouraging them to use digital medical services. 

Furthermore, the requirements of NHS’s login regarding identity management involve principles approved by the government. Moving on, the know your patient in United Kingdom (UK) standards as the NHS proposed involves the following checking mechanisms. 

Vouching – Verification of Entered Information 

Among the three approved methods to identify patients in the United Kingdom (UK), vouching is the first in line. As per the guidelines by the NHS, it is imperative to validate people before providing them with digital medical records. Data breaches and fraudulent medical claims are two of the most crucial reasons for placing this patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) restriction. 

Vouching gives patients the liberty to easily validate their identity and sign up on the General Practitioners (GP) online services platforms. This way, they won’t have to remember file numbers or bring authentication documents to visit the doctor. The patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) is carried out by medical staff. The healthcare professionals make sure there are no deceptions during patient onboarding. For further assurance of safety and convenience, the NHS proposed ID verification for pharmacies in the United Kingdom (UK) and information authentication in the rest of other healthcare centres.

Moving on, vouching is essential to verify patient identity for the UK and provides the following advantages:

  • Remote and paperless patient  onboarding 
  • Easy access to medical services for people with long-term ailments like diabetes
  • Leverages authority to GPs for allocating the treatment to patients during virtual consultancy

Vouching with Confirmation – Question/Answers Process

In the previous method, the healthcare professionals were responsible for carrying out patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK). The process involved the authentication of information and medical records. 

However, in vouching with confirmation, the identification mechanisms are slightly different. If patients are already in records and the doctor or any member knows them, the process to verify patient identity for the UK becomes more simple. The healthcare professional simply has to ask questions regarding information from the treatment or medical records.  

Moving on, the vouching for confirmation process involves patient age verification in the UK as well as their identity validations. However, while questioning the person following measures should be taken.

  • No confidential details should be revealed unless the patients verify their identity 
  • The questions should be more specific and less general
  • The questioning process should be discrete and performed by any authorized personnel

Validation of Identity Documents

In some cases, patients are unable to provide medical documents for identity verification. Therefore, they should at least provide a photo, driver’s license, bank statements, or passports to complete the KYC Verification in UK. Document verification is commonplace to comply with the know your patient in the United Kingdom (UK). However, where it provides convenience, challenges like people forgetting to carry IDs with them arise. 

To minimize the chances of this from happening, digital patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) enables remote identification. Ultimately the healthcare sector can ensure data security, authorized access, and seamless patient onboarding.

In the End

NHS falls among the four major National Health Service systems in the United Kingdom. This publicly funded healthcare association is responsible for establishing guidelines regarding patient verification in United Kingdom along with how the healthcare sector can ensure data security. England’s NHS is seen striving to provide digital medical aid to remote people. It also empowers healthcare professionals to verify patient identity for UK while bridging the gap between people through trust.

How Fire Rated Doors Can Save Lives

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Image from: https://www.pexels.com/

From residential and commercial to institutional infrastructure projects, safety and security should be on top of your priorities. By ensuring the safety of your personnel and assets, you will be able to scale your operations more easily and avoid damages that would hurt your balance sheet.

When most people think of safety and security, they immediately think of CCTV cameras and biometric systems. These advanced features may be useful in security practices as they let you keep track of who enters and exits your establishments.

But, as useful as these security devices are, you can’t overlook the fact that your doors are your first line of defense. At the end of the day, the doors at your entrances and hallways play a huge role in keeping your premises safe.

One functional type of door that offers safety is fire rated doors. They are essential in preventing the spread of fire. Every day, we encounter these doors in commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential buildings, but many people are unaware of them. Indeed, the presence of a properly placed, quality fire rated door can mean the difference between life and death in some situations.

What is a fire rated door?

A fire rated door (or simply fire door) has fire resistance qualities and is rated based on how long the door can handle extreme heat and remain intact within the frame that houses it. When used in conjunction with passive fire protection systems, a fire rated door provides reliable fire protection and allows for a safe and unhindered exit from a facility.

Fire rated doors are designed to delay or stop the spread of flames, smoke, and even radiant and conductive heat transmission. Wood, steel, fiberglass, and fire rated glass—or a combination of these—are the commonly used materials in fire rated door manufacturing. Fire rated door assemblies include the door, frame, glazing, hardware, and other components.

More common in commercial buildings than residential properties, this type of door is typically used in areas of egress, such as lobbies, exits, storefronts, and stairwells to meet code requirements and promote occupant safety. Additionally, fire doors are also protective against accidental human impact, as well as blasts, ballistics, and forced entry.

Why do you need fire rated doors?

Entrances and exits are not enough when fire safety and building code compliance are taken into account. Providing means of egress to building occupants can give a sense of safety and security during accidents like structural fires.

Establishing a compartment in buildings by separating lift lobby areas from stairway exits is among the main purposes of fire doors. Simply put, fire doors must offer protection at escape routes to enable people to evacuate a premise safely during an accidental fire.

Not only that but fire doors are also intended to halt the spread of fire and smoke for as long as possible. They are a passive fire safety feature that prevents fire, smoke, and fumes from spreading from one room to another. In this manner, they help firefighters to put out the fire safely and quickly before it can cause severe damage or injuries.

Where would you need a fire rated door?

In general, the primary focus of fire door placements is always safety. Fire doors that protect the building and its occupants for more than 60 minutes are often required where property preservation is crucial.

But, regardless of the type of structure, a fire rated door can be extremely valuable for all types of buildings.

  • Residential properties: A fire door must be installed between the stairs and every room in homes with more than two floors (except toilets or bathrooms). In addition, fire doors are required in loft conversions and between a house and an integrated garage.
  • Non-domestic facilities: There must be a safe escape path in non-domestic structures. Areas that lead to corridors or staircases should have fire doors. Fire doors must have proper signage on both sides, as well as relevant instructions such as “Keep Closed.”
  • Mixed-use buildings: Fire doors are required to separate the commercial and residential areas in mixed-use buildings.

How can you choose a high-quality fire door?

You should prioritize fire rated doors that have been certified for quality while looking for the best selection for fire rated doors. Before these doors are rolled out to end-users, they must be thoroughly tested to ensure their efficacy. By purchasing approved doors, you can be certain that they will deliver the safety and security functions they are intended for.

Besides fire safety elements, aesthetics should also be a consideration. Fire doors can be visually appealing and contribute to your property’s overall attractiveness.

Invest for Fire Safety

Keep in mind that as a property owner, it is your primary responsibility to ensure the safety of your facility and its dwellers and assets. Setting fire prevention and safety measures can save lives and considerably lessen the financial and legal consequences of a fire incident.

9 Tips For Sustainable Living

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What do you picture when you think of sustainable living? Maybe it’s dramatic changes like ocean conservation work or switching to wind power. While big efforts are important, sustainable living is an aspect of daily life that can be implemented in small ways. You may be surprised at how small of a change you can make for a real improvement in sustainability, especially when that effort is sustained over time. Here are our nine tips for sustainable living.

https://unsplash.com/photos/0w-uTa0Xz7w

Alt text: A sun setting behind windmills and a grass field

File name: sun-setting-behind-windmills-grass-field

Tip #1: Turn Off the Light

The average annual electricity consumption for a US household in 2018 averaged over 28 kilowatt-hours per day. A kilowatt-hour is equal to one 100-watt light bulb left on for 10 hours. And we’re averaging more than 28 of those a day in our households! Most of this energy usage comes from lights being left on all day.

Turn off your lights when you leave the room. Conserving the light might mean opening the curtains and letting natural light in. Maybe all you need is a small lamp. We tend to overuse electrical lights unnecessarily.

There are also ways to cultivate sustainability in home decor with your lighting options. What are the materials of your light fixtures made from? Take into consideration how your lights are shipped or provided to you. Sustainable packaging can make all the difference. Sources that prioritize sustainability will help you be sustainable too.

Tip #2: Invest in the Reusable Options

A big part of living sustainably is reusing what you can. We have a lot of daily-use items in our lives that are disposable. But, there are also reusable options available like straws, plates, water bottles, towels, and grocery bags. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your reusable materials, and explore all the new items that are being created every week.

https://unsplash.com/photos/EU1R18L1Kb4

Alt text: A marble kitchen counter with reusable straws and fresh fruit

File name: marble-counter-reusable-straws-fresh-fruit

Tip #3: Conserve Your Water

Watching your water usage is an oft-repeated eco-friendly measure, but there might be some specific tips you haven’t considered. We’ve all heard about the importance of taking shorter showers, but have you thought about getting a water-saving showerhead or a shower timer? You may not be aware of how much water you’re using or saving until you start to keep track of it.

Tip #4: Rethink Your Commute

Commuting is a necessity for many people, but you can make your commute a part of your sustainability commitment. If you work close to your home, try walking or biking to work. Taking public transportation is better than taking your vehicle. If you have to drive a car, consider getting an electric one, and carpool as much as possible. If you fly on planes frequently, make sure you find an airline that utilizes zero-waste practices.

Your sustainable commuting routine can also be more basic: take the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s the little things like this that add up.

Tip #5: Dress with the Environment in Mind

A sustainable lifestyle includes supporting sustainable fashion. Sustainable shopping isn’t to be confused with thrift shopping — although getting secondhand clothes is more sustainable than buying new ones. When you decide to buy new clothes, it is better to buy “slow” fashion rather than fast fashion — meaning you choose higher quality items that last longer.

Better quality also often means brands are more environmentally conscious. Plus, in addition to choosing the styles that last longer, you can also make your clothes last longer by doing simple repairs yourself.

Tip #6: Take a Closer Look at Your Bedding

A sustainable life looks at the little details, especially for items you use every day. There are plenty of ways to be more sustainable with your bedding.

You want to choose products from a company that utilizes sustainable practices and uses good materials. Bamboo fabric is beneficial for the environment. Sourcing sustainable fabrics is a great way to institute an eco-friendly lifestyle all across your household.

Tip #7: Ditch the Printer

Today’s world is digital. You don’t need a home printer. If you have to print something, you can seek one out. But not having a printer on hand will save you from printing items you don’t need to print. Practice storing files and information digitally to promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Tell your bank you want electronic statements. Get receipts emailed instead of printed. Take notes on an electronic device instead of on a pad of paper. Go paperless and then encourage your peers to do the same.

Tip #8: Donate Your Belongings

Just because you’re done with something doesn’t mean no one else can use it. When you donate items you don’t use anymore, you help the environment by keeping them out of the landfill. Donate what doesn’t bring you joy and give it to someone who can reuse those items for a win-win!

Tip #9: Save Gift Bags and Wrappings

This is a small tip, but it can have a big impact. Whenever you get gift bags, save them instead of throwing them away. You can do the same with tissue paper or other wrappings that don’t get ripped or damaged when you open the present. This will not only save you some money but it will help the environment.

Encourage Working Together

Sustainable living works best when everyone makes the same commitments. It doesn’t do much good if you take short 4-minute showers and everyone else still takes long 30-minute showers.

And it won’t matter as much if you are the only one taking public transport to work. If everyone else in the office drives their car separately try to address the opportunity to increase sustainability. Encourage your coworkers to brainstorm together and try to coordinate carpooling times. Together you can make a much larger positive impact by organizing carpool groups.

The possibilities for sustainability are endless. And when you work together to achieve your sustainable living dreams you can make the world a lot better. All it takes are small meaningful changes to make a world of difference.

Child Proof Cabinets With Zip Ties

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Becoming a grand parent brings up some problems around the house. The biggest being that our house is not child proof. Haven’t had to worry about that in many many years. I want our home to be safe when they come for a visit but at the same time they are not here all the time so I don’t want to invest a lot of money or install anything permanent. That’s where I found the best idea. Using a zip tie to tie two handles together. It can keep the babies out of cabinets with breakables or cabinets filled with dangerous chemicals. A simple a cheap fix that can be eliminated when they leave.

Sneezing: What You Must Know

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Sneezing is essential, which is the involuntary ejection of air from your lungs through your mouth or nose. It occurs when irritants affect the nasal mucus. Sneezing helps in cleaning out your throat and nose when these irritants found in the nasal passage. We all should sneeze often at night. However, the human body stifles sneezing tendencies via a process called rapid-eye-movement or REM atonia. It occurs during phases of sleep.

According to an article published on https://www.bbc.com, there are many myths surrounding sneezing, one of which is that you will not sneeze during sleep. Then, you can move in and move out of REM and still can sneeze. Read on to learn more.

Causes of sneezing

The common causes are:

  • Allergens like dirt, dust, as well as pollen
  • When you are ill and plagued with conditions like common cold and influenza
  • There are non-allergen elements that still aggravate your nasal cavity
  • Snatiation, which is a comparatively uncommon genetic problem that sets off sneezing during the digestion process, usually after heavy meals.
  • During abrupt contact with bright light when you leave a darkened building or taking a walk outside in bright sunshine, you can sneeze. The phenomenon is called the photic sneeze reflex. It affects at least 35 percent of people.

Sneezing is not dangerous

Sneezing is hardly ever hazardous. Then, the throwing out process could create up to 40,000 aerosol droplets that could lead to communicable ailments. That is the reason why doctors advise people to cover up their nose and mouth while sneezing, as well as to sanitize their hands with hand wash liquids and water thoroughly once the sneezing stops. Again, if someone asks you, “Can you sneeze while sleeping?” the answer is a yes.

Tips to prevent sneezing during night

There are many ways to check sneezing impulses during bedtime. These are:

Make sure to keep your bedroom dirt-free. You should vacuum regularly to get rid of dust, dirt, pollen, and allergen particles.

Avoid keeping clothing on the bed. That is because dirt, dust, pollen particles, many of these allergens might cling to your clothes.

Do not read bound books in bed. That is because these are frequently nesting grounds for mold. It is better to use e-readers and iPads when reading in bed. Then, a couple of studies indicate that the blue light from these devices emitted could negatively take a toll on your sleep at night.

Clean your pillows regularly including pillowcases, bed sheets, and interior fill. These could be breeding grounds for dust mites. You can think of freezing the pillows for approximately 12 hours twice or four times every month.

If your pet cat or dog sleeps in your bed with you, make sure you clean all your sheets, beddings, pillows and pillowcases twice every week. We recommend that you let your pup or kitten sleep on separate pet beds. It is safe and healthy, especially if you have kids around the house.

Conclusion

Now you know about sneezing, try to control it during the night. Keep these tips and tricks in mind. Keep your beddings clean.